Mated to the Griffin (Elemental Mates 5)

Meanwhile, Dean was visibly proud of Jared’s accomplishments. He wanted to hear all about his friends and his work for the council—and about how he and Chiara had met.

“I’ll be back in a few moments,” Chiara said finally, resting her hand against Jared’s shoulder in reassurance.

He gave her an encouraging nod. She knew that he could feel her restlessness through the bond.

She needed to know how her dad was doing.

Maybe they couldn’t fix things until they were actually face to face, until she could explain about the shifter world. But right now it didn’t matter what he thought of her and her wild theories. She just needed to hear his voice. To know that he was doing okay.

Outside the kitchen, she followed the tunnel to the right until she came to a natural balcony, a small opening in the rock allowing her a good view of the mountain below.

Taking a deep breath, she took hold of her phone. And then, for the first time in many weeks, she dialed his number.

The phone rang. And rang. And rang again.

Then it switched to voicemail, and Chiara hastily ended the call before cursing herself.

Maybe he’s just in the shower. Or maybe he’s busy.

She called him again. Her heart was beating faster as she listened—but once again he didn’t pick up.

What if he saw her number and decided that he didn’t want to talk to her?

Chiara swallowed, feeling as if a giant fist was closing around her heart.

No. It’s not too late. We can fix this.

Clenching her teeth, she called again, waiting until his voicemail picked up.

“Hey, Dad,” she said softly. “It’s me. I just... I know we didn’t part on the best of terms. I just wanted to say that I’m sorry, and that I miss you. Love you, Dad.”

She blinked away tears when she hung up. Then, before she lost her courage again, she texted her aunt.

He’s probably out with his friends for a drink, or to watch a game.

Still, even though she hadn’t talked to Auntie Mary either since she’d left, Chiara knew that she’d let her know if anything had happened to her dad.

I’m being silly, she told herself firmly as she stared down at the screen of her phone.

Her aunt was notoriously busy and always forgot to check her phone for messages. Auntie Mary still got most of her news the good old way, by chatting with her neighbors across the fence that divided their gardens, while her phone rested forgotten in her bedroom.

But she’ll get back to me when she sees it. Even if it takes a few hours. Even if Dad has decided he doesn’t want to talk to me anymore—Auntie Mary could never resist juicy gossip.

Chiara wiped at her eyes, then slid her phone back into her pocket. She leaned against the rock, looking out at the mountain spreading below her.

It was beautiful here. It was absolutely quiet, with no sound but the wind to disturb the tranquility of Sky Home.

It was peaceful—and although she didn’t think that she could live here for more than a few days, right now the quiet and loneliness of the mountain felt good.

She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, slowly feeling her worries falling away, little by little.

She had a mate who loved her. A strong, courageous man who’d been willing to give his life for her. A man who wanted to build a family, just like her—who missed the feeling of having a home. A real home, with people to come home to who wanted to share in your life. Who’d have your back, no matter what.

She could be happy with him. She was already incredibly happy with him. To have Jared’s parents back was an incredible gift, and she couldn’t wait to get to know them better.

Even if her own dad would cut her off completely, she could build a new life with a new family.

She knew she’d be happy. Even now, with the longing for her dad’s reassuring voice filling her, the golden light of the mate bond wrapped around the aching wound in her heart, soothing her with its warmth.